A meal at Lima, Fitzrovia

Pisco

Until now, I had refrained from trying one of London’s new south American restaurants such as Ceviche, mostly because I am trying to avoid eating fish altogether. 

As my sister @Squadrilla75 was visiting London to be my co-host of the DiscoverCilento Supperclub, we decided to enjoy a nice meal on the Friday night before the dinner, in an effort to distract ourselves from the tasks ahead the next day. 

After much deliberation (shall we try the new Moreno at Baglioni? Shall we try Nathan Outlaw’s Grill? Shall we try Dabbous’ waiting list) we were lucky enough to bag a table at Lima London, which was on her wish list. 

Opened by chef Virgilio Martinez, it has many positive reviews and has quickly gained a good reputation. 

Ceviche

The venue is modern but welcoming, and the staff very professional. Our waiters were really helpful with the menu and very knowledgeable about ingredients (Squadrilla75 is currently following a gluten free diet). 
We started with some drinks and I had (really, I had) to try a Pisco Sour, my first ever. Enjoyed it but, wow it was strong! 

We liked the fresh bread, butter with annatto seeds and a delicious herby dip (memory falters) while we waited for our starters.

Octopus

My Braised octopus was delicious – the octopus was cut in small pieces and well cooked, I liked the texture contrast with the quinoa that came with it, and the soft creamy drops of botija olive on the plate. 

Sister really liked the Sea bream ceviche with Tiger’s milk (not literally, it’s a cocktail, apparently) but @bmcboy found his Duck with shaved foie gras too overpowering – really a massive portion of foie gras, and I did not try his dish myself. 

Our mains were interesting. Mine possibly would work better as a starter or a side. I really enjoyed it but it was mainly huayro potatoes.
Even if they are grown at 4000mtr and very nicely cooked with loads of flavours including fresh white crab, it’s still quite a strange dish to have as a main. 
I cant say the waiter didn’t warn me tho. He did. 

Crab and potatoes

But I was too curious – the whole menu at Lima is a discovery of ingredients (such as red kiwicha) from a country I have yet to visit and get to know. Squadrilla75’s main of Confit of suckling pig was, in her own words, exceptionally good although her comparison to our Italian cotechino makes me doubt her! 
@bmcboy chose a safer Cod with kohlrabi, capers and exotic piquillo and maca root compote.

 

We decided to share a dessert and possibly picked an unworthy one. A 75% cacao porcelana with mango and hierbabuena granita gateau that was way too rich – thankfully we were sharing. I wasn’t sure about the mango granita either. A strange texture to it. 
We had to skip the gluten rich blue potato crystals which might have completed the dish better.

 
Overall we had a very good meal. The service was spot on and very friendly without being fussy or stuffy. 
The dishes were certainly very creative, showcasing ingredients from a far flung country and beautifully presented in bursts of colours: flowers, herbs, vegetables, sauces. They are visually very attractive. I share Chris Pople’s reservations about air miles, but I found Lima’s MD comment in this regard interesting.

Merluza


A bright, uplifting meal if it can be so described. @Squadrilla75 paid the bill which was over £50 per head: not a cheap night out but was certainly worth the experience.

Lima Menu, Reviews, Photos, Location and Info - Zomato

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